FILE PHOTO: Senator Joel Villanueva is questioning Mayor Alice Guo’s patriotism to the Philippines – “if she is Filipino,” as he noted the operation of alleged illegal activities in Tarlac’s Bamban town. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Joel Villanueva questioned Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s patriotism to the Philippines – “if she is Filipino,” as he noted the operation of alleged illegal activities in Tarlac’s town.
In an interview with reporters, Villanueva’s stand on the controversies surrounding Guo was asked, to which he replied:
“Kung Pilipino siya, bakit n’ya rin pinayagan itong mga illegal activities?” the senator pointed out.
(If she is Filipino, why did she allow these illegal activities?)
READ: Villanueva: Why is nobody stopping Pogo despite raids, non-payment of tax?
“Command responsibility mo ‘yan. Iyong ganyang kalaking property, ganoong kalaki na infrastructure. Hindi ka pa ba magtataka? You would not even take a single step to move a bit further and make sure na walang illegal activities ito?” Villanueva also pointed out.
(It’s your command responsibility. It is such a big property with such an extensive infrastructure. Are you still not wondering? You would not even take a single step to move a bit further and make sure that there are no illegal activities?)
Senators have been grilling Guo regarding her identity after her name was linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in Bamban, which was raided in March over alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.
Senator Win Gatchalian was the first to reveal Guo’s alleged ties to the gaming firm Zun Yuan Technology Inc., saying that authorities found a billing statement from Tarlac II Electric Cooperative Inc. showing that the company’s electric meter was registered under the mayor’s name.
Gatchalian further said that a vehicle seized during the raid was likewise found to be registered under Guo’s name.
Guo, however, denied all allegations, asserting that she has never been a protector or operator of offshore gaming.
Is Alice Guo connected to Communist Party of China?
Still, Villanueva said it is necessary to proceed with the Senate committee on women’s investigation of Pogos and Guo’s alleged ties to the firm despite the mayor’s repeated denial.
The senator noted allegations that Guo’s family is also linked to the Communist Party of China, citing news articles and intelligence reports.
“We really have to take a look into it,” he said. “’Yung sinasabing walang connect doon sa (Those saying it has no connection with) national security, I think it’s important.”
“We have seen and heard a lot of news and even intel information na merong koneksyon ‘yung pamilya niya doon sa [Communist Party] doon sa China,” he explained.
(We have seen and heard a lot of news and even intel information that her family is connected to the Communist Party of China.)
Villanueva, meanwhile, called on government agencies concerned, especially the Department of Labor and Employment and Bureau of Immigration, to “step up [their] game” in light of the spike in crimes linked to Pogos.